Second pregnancy: perineal pain at site of previous second degree tear

[Poppins2016]

I'm 24 + weeks pregnant with my second baby. My pelvic floor has never felt quite right following a second degree tear and stitches when giving birth to my first baby 2.5 years ago (it's always been a bit achey and used to be incredibly tender when I needed the loo, i.e. holding my bladder, although that improved down the line). I was told to wait it out and that it would improve with time...

As this pregnancy has progressed, I've started to feel a lot more achey than usual (sometimes quite a sharp ache/pain) along my perineum at the site of the old tear, particularly when gently exercising or standing for long periods. I sometimes wonder whether my muscles didn't heal quite right and now pregnancy/the relaxin hormone is making it feel worse...

I'll ask my midwife about this when I see her tomorrow. But I'm wondering:

A) has anyone else had this?
B) was there any treatment recommended?
C) what was the outcome post birth (better, worse, the same)?
D) should I be asking for any treatment options in particular/is there anything I should bear in mind for my next birth in order to avoid worsening the issue or (hopefully) avoid a repeat?!

Watching with interest. I'm also 24 weeks and when I sit on the loo and relax that area I feel like my insides are a bit 'unsupported', if that makes sense?
I had a third degree tear in previous birth and never was convinced they stitched me up properly.

@Girlonthego that totally makes sense. I felt as though my 'insides were going to fall out' post birth (a very common feeling, I gather!)... but I've also had that same feeling recently if I've overdone it. I definitely feel as though I'm unsupported down below, as well as the pain!

I'm wondering whether it would be worth asking for a consultant to stitch me if I tear this time, given all the issues I've had!

I've been looking up things like pelvic girdle pain etc. but I don't think this issue fits the criteria... it's literally just the muscle zone along my perineum where I tore and was stitched, everywhere else is alsolutely fine!

Following as I was thinking only the other day that my episiotomy scar felt a bit like Harry Potter's but mine bought on by standing up too long rather than Voldemort 😂.
I do think I'm a bit more puffy down there in general so I guess the scar tissues must be finding that bit challenging?

I had this. I actually never mentioned it to my midwife although probably should have. I also had pain in my hips and ended up getting a support belt, which helped with the pain at the site of the old tear as well.

It’s now been a year after the birth and all good. I didn’t tear the second time which I had been worried about.

That's really good to hear tiny

Echoing that, your post is a relief, @tinytoucan!

I have to admit I'm a bit worried I'll be stuck with the pelvic floor issues for life (especially if this pregnancy/birth makes it worse). I know it could be much worse (I am fully continent, no prolapses, it's 'just' an ache/some pain etc...) but I'd really like to be able to be active without pain, I don't think that's really too much to ask in an ideal world!

I'll see my midwife later and see what she says...

I had this with my recent pregnancy following a 3rd degree tear with my previous. I had an elective c section this time due to the issues with the tear previously (was under gynae for a year afterwards) so can’t help with preventing further tears in birth. However, when I said about the perineal pain I was told it’s quite normal following previous tearing and was offered physio but found a supportive belt definitely helped. It felt like it lifted the baby off of the scar tissue. Hope they can find something that helps you

Hi OP. You might be aware that scar tissue doesn't stretch like normal perineal tissue so this might be what you're experiencing. Do ask your midwife; massage can help to break down the adhesions a bit. I have to say that my extensive scarring due to birth injuries for DC1 was the main reason that I requested (and was granted) an ELCS for DC2.